Season 2
Mary's Pov
We can't let them go papa I proclaim. Why not, it is not our responsibility. But papa... Mary they are required to serve for their country. But papa do you not understand what is at risk? Apparently not. Well either Matthew or Thomas could die out there and if one of them doesn't make it I don't think I can bear to see the other hurt. This is just a risk we'll have to take Mary. Papa I know you still refuse to let them be together and at first I agreed but now I see how happy Matthew is and I can't bear to be the one held responsible for taking away his happiness.
Thomas's Pov
As I'm making last note of everything I hear a knock at the door. Just a minute I say and when I open the door Lady Mary is standing there. What can I do for you my Lady. She doesn't say anything but she pulls me in for a hug. Lady Mary I don't understand…I'll miss you Thomas she says. As I will miss you my Lady. Promise me you'll watch out for Matthew she says. I'll do whatever it takes to keep him from harms way I reply. I know you will Thomas.
3 months later
A letter for you Lady Mary. Mr. Carson hands me the letter and I notice it's Matthew's writing. My hands are shaking so much the letter slips from my hands and falls to the floor. Mary are you alright Sybil asks and I just shake my head. Sybil bends down to pick up the letter and I let out a scream as she places it on the table. Everyone is staring at me and only Sybil has the nerve to grab the letter and read it.
Dear Mary,
Thomas has been badly injured. They're bringing him to a hospital near Downton. I'll also be there and I hope you could stop by.
Sincerely Matthew
The room remains silent after Sybil finishes reading the letter. For once in my life I wish I could be proven wrong. I don't think Matthew is going to make it.
Matthew's Pov
As they bring him in on a stretcher I have to look away as the burns on his body are too much. I feel useless. What would my father think of me, acting like a coward. As l start to wander off I don't realize someone's talking to me until Lady Sybil places her hand on my shoulder. He's asking for you Matthew she says. Thank you Lady Sybil. Oh and Matthew I turn around to see Sybil looking a little frightened. Be careful with him he's a bit unstable. I'll try my best I tell her. As I approach Thomas it pains me to see the burns on one side of his face but I try my best to show him that I'm not broken though I know I'm slipping on the inside. You wanted to see me I say and I hear my voice crack a little. He refuses to show me his face as we talk. I've let you down Matthew. Don't you dare say that Thomas. It's true, they say I can't go with you to Germany I broke my promise. Nonsense, you saved my life Thomas. You will never be a failure to me, you're perfect. Perfect Thomas spats, look at me I'm hideous. I try to touch his face but he pulls back from me. Listen to me Thomas you'll always be beautiful to me even with your blemishes you know that. Please leave Matthew. Love I'm not giving up on you. We've been through through so much and I'm not letting your insecurities ruin what we have. But you deserve better Thomas says. I don't want anyone else. He starts yelling and kicking about and I try to calm him down but instead it makes things worse. He starts punching me in the face and I let him as I know he's just trying to let his anger out. Lady Sybil pulls him away and they sedate him. He falls into her arms and I fall down on my knees and start crying. I let myself be carrried away by the doctors. As I'm being brought outside I see that Mary has just arrived. She walks over to me and pulls me into a hug. Oh Matthew I'm so sorry she says. It's alright Mary I'm fine I say as I pull away. You're far from fine Matthew look at yourself you're a complete mess. It pains me to see her here and now I regret letting her come. I can't even make eye contact with her and I start wandering around again. I know what's it like to feel like you're so helpless as someone you love is hurt Mary admits. He doesn't want me here. Just give him some time Matthew he'll come around. And if he doesn't I reply. Let's not worry about that now we should be trying to help him get back to health. I don't think it's going to be as easy as you think Mary. But your letter...I feel they're keeping him here because of psychological problems not physical. What do you mean Matthew. I didn't want to worry you and your family but he's not the same Thomas you knew. The war has changed him drastically. Before he was sent here he was having nightmares. I'd have to quiet him down so we wouldn't get caught but he was almost sent to a psych ward. I'll take care of him then Mary says. Mary you're hardly qualified for... Just let me convince papa to let him come back to Downton Matthew. Sybil and I could could take care of him. You'd do that for me. I'm doing it for Thomas not you. You may not realize it but you're not the only one who cares for him she says.
Thomas's Pov
Here let me help you Mary says. No it's perfectly fine my Lady. I try to bring the cup to my lips but my hand is shaking so much that by the time I managed to get a grip all of juice has spilled out already. I start swearing under my breath and as much as I want to cry I don't want to make a fool of myself in Lady Mary's presence. It's alright Thomas Lady Mary says and she takes the cup from me and refils it. She walks over to me and makes me tilt my head back so she could help get the juice down. I nod my head to signal that I'm finished and she places the cup back on the tray. I hear Matthew is coming for another visit Mary says. I stay silent but I know Mary won't give up so easily. He said he misses you in his last letter. I still say nothing. Oh Thomas you must let him see you. Not like this I say as I point to myself wrapped in layers of blankets. Of course like that Thomas you can barely stand on your feet. How do you expect to get dressed by yourself and go to dining room to sit with him. I doubt papa would even let you have dinner with us. But Mary... I'll arrange a time for him to see you she says. There's a knock at the door and for once I'm glad that someone has come to see me. Come in Lady Mary says. William walks in with a tray of cookies. I'm sorry my Lady should I come back later William says. Nonsense William I'm greatful that Thomas has a visitor but don't you go spoiling him now with cookies she says. I won't my Lady he replies. Very well I'll be outside Mary says. How's everyone doing I ask. Daisy and I are engaged to be married. That's great news William. Thank you Thomas. How much longer will you be here he asks. I'm not so sure, why do you ask. Daisy and I were hoping if you could come to wedding. I'll try my best but with Lady Mary speaking for my well being I doubt I'll have the chance. I heard that she says and William and I burst out laughing. Who would've thought Lady Mary be a nurse and a good one at that William says. Yes it does seem a bit weird especially since she keeps bringing up Matthew into our discussions. I do hope you give Matthew another chance Thomas. Oh not you too I say. Thomas before the war all you would talk about is Matthew and now you can't even bear to hear his name. War changes you my friend. I believe you Thomas but I also believe that it allows for second chances. Very well I'll let him have his say. Mary suddenly bursts in the room and William looks stunned as am I. What at least someone knocked some sense into him she says.
Matthew's Pov
Oh Matthew I'm so glad to see you Mary says. I'm glad to see you too. I've arranged for you to meet Thomas. How is he I ask. He hasn't changed much since your last visit I'm afraid. It's fine. Is that your answer to everything she says. Why do you look so nervous I was only teasing Matthew. It's better if I wait to tell you. Alright I'll try my best to wait but you now I'm not good at waiting. Have you been treating Thomas well I say trying to change the topic. Yes though maybe you should ask him if you want an honest answer she replies. Mary! What I was only teasing again. How's your father? I presume quite well though we haven't been on speaking terms since Thomas has arrived she says. Are you sure I should be here? Of course, I'm sure papa will not make a scene at dinner. I hope you're right I reply. I make my way up to Thomas's room all the while my chest feels it's about to explode. I walk in and I notice Thomas is not there as I'm about to leave I feel something grab my leg. I look to see Thomas in a fetal position. Thomas are you alright. Even you should know what a dumb question that is. I ignore his remark and help him off the floor. What happened? I'm sick of this Matthew. Sick of what? Of being so fragile and helpless Thomas says as he tries to push himself away from me. I can't even walk and I never thought I would miss the feeling of walking. Thomas finally gives up and lets himself sink into my arms. Just give your body some time to rest Thomas, you're overworking yourself. Overworking myself! Mary has been doing everything for me. She dresses me, feeds me, bathes me...he starts crying and I don't know what to do. I just want to live again Matthew that's all. I want things to go back to how they used to be when we used to sneak around the house in the night and make love to one another without any distractions or worries. I promise you love it will happen again after the war is over. How can you be so sure Matthew. The world is changing faster than you realize and I don't think I'm ready for change.